On Wednesday, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich said it would appeal a decision by the Commission on the City Plan that its soup kitchen and food pantry had to move out of the former St. Joseph School on Cliff Street.

“We will consult with counsel and immediately begin the process,” said diocesan spokesman Michael Strammiello.

The commission voted 5-0 Tuesday to reject a special-use permit that would allow St. Vincent de Paul Place to permanently operate out of St. Joseph School. The ministry has been there since July, and now must be out by Jan. 12.

The church has until Jan. 4 — 15 days — to file its appeal in Superior Court, as outlined in Norwich’s charter.

Strammiello said church leaders were bothered by “inconsistencies” between allegations by neighbors that the charity’s clients were law breaking and disruptive, compared to documented police reports.

Commissioners said Tuesday night that testimony by surrounding property owners of the negative effects St. Vincent de Paul Place has had on their lives was a major reason for their denial of the church’s special-use permit.

“I think the impact is unquestionably negative in that neighborhood,” commissioner Arthur Sharron said before Tuesday’s vote.

Strammiello said the church has not identified another suitable location for St. Vincent de Paul, and doing so will take time.

“This is not something that’s easily done, as witnessed by the difficulties of moving onto our own property,” he said. “We have not identified a quick and easy solution in terms of another location.”

“I will work to try and help them find a new spot,” he said. “No one disputes the need.”

But one thing some are disputing is the diocese’s claims that it reached out and communicated with Cliff Street area neighbors to address their safety concerns.

“I don’t know who among us they’ve communicated with,” said Brian Kobylarz, a Hobart Avenue resident and vocal opponent of St. Vincent de Paul Place’s location. “I am troubled that even after they have hard hours of testimony from people affected in this neighborhood, and leadership of this city speak toward this request, they still feel the damage that would be caused to our entire community would be worth pushing forward.”

Strammiello said the church is committed to being harmonious neighbors, but the charitable work of St. Vincent de Paul Place is too significant to stop.

“It’s Christmas in a state and country that is suffering terribly. We can’t turn away those who most need us onto the street between now and Jan. 12,” he said. “The church is going about its core mission to help and assist and feed and clothe those who most need a helping hand.”